7: Looking Forward

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Disc: HrPrTeam

(Credit to Splingo_Splongo for the Beta Reading Labor!)

-Story Start-

Todo Aoi's awakening was both a miracle and a surprise.

None were more surprised and impressed than Yuji and Choso.

The pride on their faces after shaking out of their stupor at the sheer absurdity that allowed Todo Aoi to realize the Reverse Cursed Technique was most evident.

Truly, their emotional state was a mix of exasperation, pride, and awe.

Nevertheless, not all shared in the enthusiasm.

Some... Found the prospect a tad suspicious.

As Doctor Tenma admired and smiled brightly at Aoi's Quirk-induced recovery...

Leafblade was on the case, his eyes narrowing as he watched Aoi's every move with the intensity of a predator stalking its prey.

Something didn't sit right with him.

It never did with those three.

And the more he observed them, the more his unease grew despite their prim and proper behavior, Choso's tension notwithstanding.

"Mister Todo Aoi..." Leafblade's voice cut through the air, laced with a suspicion that made Yuji stiffen.

"Why is it that you have healed yourself with your quirk, just now?" His words weren't just an inquiry, they were a challenge, daring Aoi to slip up, to reveal something he was hiding.

Choso's teeth gritted as he was about to step forward.

Only for Aoi's smirk and palm to calmly cease his attempt at interference.

He winked at his brother, "Allow me to handle this, my bruzza."

Turning to Leafblade with folded arms, Aoi nodded matter of factly, "The situation we have found ourselves in had brought upon me a great depression... I could not heal myself, for I believed there was no path forward. No Future."

Then, Aoi's tone grew in volume, "HOWEVER!" He declared loudly, his expression determined.

He gestured at the turned-off television, "TAKADA-CHAN HAD SHOWN ME OTHERWISE!"

Leafblade blinked, having been thrown into a loop at that sudden nugget of information.

Whilst Yuji deadpanned and Choso snorted at Leafblade's daze.

Placing a fist on his chest, as tears began to pull under his eyes, Aoi expressed, "THERE IS A FUTURE! FOR MYSELF AND MY BROTHERS!"

Lowering his tone, meeting Leafblade's confused look with his own resolved one, "It is with that realization, that I had finally healed myself and brought myself out of my hopeless shell."

A moment of contemplative yet heavy silence enveloped them.

Leafblade couldn't help but pinch his brows, turning to Doctor Tenma, "You sure this boy hadn't gotten any brain damage?" His tone was genuinely confused and frustrated.

Doctor Tenma immediately shook his head, "No, there were no injuries on his head when he arrived." He smiled lightly, "Though I am happy he made a complete recovery, it would have been better if he healed himself sooner..."

Aoi nodded, leveling a look of disdain at the Doctor.

To which, Yuji said, having sensed his intent, "No, dude."

Choso addressed Leafblade, "Will that be all?" He made no efforts to hide his irritation and hatred.

Huffing, Leafblade took a look at his notepad, juggling with the written information.

He stated matter of factly, "You three are blessed with quite the Quirks... Though you don't look like brothers, that healing convinced me otherwise."

After all, Healing Quirks were excruciatingly rare, and for alleged brothers to both have them... It clears up suspicion quite nicely.

Nodding matter-of-factly, Aoi expressed, "We used to have Tea Parties in forests many times as children. It is one of our favored family traditions."

In Aoi's mind, those words weren't a lie.

Despite Yuji's arched eyebrow and Choso's mild recollection of something similar flashing in his mind with his combative first impressions of Yuji.

"I see..." Leafblade muttered in an even tone.

His face twisted in deep concentration, the frustration and paranoia all too clear.

After a good minute, he finally sighed.

"Look, I'll make you three a deal."

"Which is?" Choso mumbled with a raised eyebrow.

"Is it a good one?" Yuji lifted his arm.

"Proceed," Aoi smirked confidently.

Leafblade announced, "I'll be real honest. You guys don't exist."

Choso nodded, "You've told me that. Yes."

Keeping a professional tone despite the frustration, "Now I don't know what kind of invisible situation or forces so high up in the government you've messed with to get a complete wipeout of your identities and come here this battered, except the vague fight in Shinjuku which I have no intel on..."

"The point is... It reeks and I truly want nothing to do with it."

"So that isn't a problem, sir?" Yuji mentioned.

"However, I am a Hero and while this town is my only responsibility, it can't be denied you three are potentially dangerous... Which is why I've only been observing you three."

"I've obtained enough evidence and a read on your characters to admit that I doubt you'd be up to trouble, especially thanks to you... Itadori Yuji."

While Yuji hadn't done what he did for the sake of appearances, he couldn't help but be happy it at least lessened the suspicion on the three of them.

"So, the deal is this... Answer a question and a demand from me, and I'll be off your case."

Before Yuji and Choso could contemplate, Aoi had already responded.

"That depends on the question and demand. Proceed." He affirmed.

Leafblade nodded, presenting his demand, "You three are to leave Kinzagawa within a week."

Yuji and Choso frowned.

Choso had yet to master the art of haircuts, so this was inconvenient.

Whilst Yuji was still uncertain as to... Where does he go from here?

This town was a great place to distract himself and his brothers from the new reality and situation.

A place to take a break.

To think.

To contemplate.

But Aoi always knew what was best for his brothers.

"It'll be done." He answered simply.

Yuji and Choso exchanged bewildered looks before turning to the serious Aoi.

Who simply gave them a thumbs-up?

Nodding in satisfaction at Aoi's compliance, Leafblade presented his inquiry, "My question is thus... Are you three Villains or planning to cause any... Trouble when you move into the cities?"

Aoi answered that in the same quick, straightforward, and serious manner, "Villains? We are not. We are also not planning on causing any issues or partaking in criminal activity."

A moment of silence reigned, whilst Doctor Tenma sneaked out of the room, sliding the door to a close amid the tension - This was not his jurisdiction whatsoever.

Leafblade's gaze left Aoi's own to scrutinize each of the brothers.

Noting their expression mirrored Aoi's own, albeit with less composure as the hulking brother.

Choso did little to hide his contempt at every word, threat, or demand of Leafblade.

Sighing, Leafblade relented, giving his final words:

"Good. I'll stick to my side of the deal." He nodded at them, turning to the door.

Sliding it open, he gave one last look over his shoulder, genuinely stating, "Make sure to stick to your word, and... Make sure to tie any loose ends you've got here before you go and become someone else's headache."

The door slid to a close.

Leaving the three brothers to contemplate their next moves.

Yuji's shoulder slumped, "Guess we gotta leave then?"

Choso frowned, "I say we beat him up."

"We can't do that, Choso... He's got a pretty good reason to be suspicious. Dude has got no chill though."

Humming, Choso offered, "Roughing him up... Lightly would also not work... I presume." He fiddled with the violent options.

"Right." Yuji nodded.

Aoi's enlightened voice brought the eyes of both his brothers onto his visage.

His arms were spread wide, a satisfied expression on his face, "Do not fret, my Bruzzas."

He nodded with a smirk, "You must look to the Future. The bright and infinite potential of the Future. Such are the teachings of Takada-chan."

Yuji deadpanned, scratching the back of his head, "The future feels like a pain in the butt..."

He admitted with a sigh, "Staying here has been relaxing, but I really don't know what to do. What about our identities and stuff? We'll be met with guys like him wherever we go." He pointed at the door with his thumb.

Aoi shook his head, "Do not concern yourself with the minor details, my bruzza. I shall deal with our identity issue flawlessly." He left no room for argument with his tone.

Turning to look at Choso, the latter smiled at Aoi.

"Choso, bruzza. I take it your purpose has not changed?"

Shaking his head, "Not at all." Choso admitted with a small smile.

Nodding, Aoi gestured at Yuji, his tone serious, "What is important? My friend. Is that you think of what you really want to do in this New World. This New Japan. Where Quirks run rampant. In this Hero and Villain Society."

Yuji frowned, "I... Really don't know. I mean that "Hero" thing sounds like the best bet for me. Given fighting stuff is all I'm really good at."

"Yuji, did you forget what cemented your title here as "Hero" was that you hadn't fought anything? But Saved? You're neglecting that. Just ask the children and parents." Choso lectured, chiming in.

"I know, I know..." Yuji stated simply.

He lifted his head to look at Aoi and Choso.

"It's just... I think it's too soon to rush things and try and find meaning here?" He mumbled out.

"Don't really know how to say it, but like... It's amazing the two of you have adjusted so quickly... You know, purpose and stuff." He pointed at the two of them.

"I was depressed for the majority of our stay here." Aoi's expression turned blank.

"You know what I mean..." Yuji rolled his eyes.

His expression turned serious, as he stated his clear desire.

The sadness and pain in his voice rang out loudly, "The only thing I truly want to do right now... Is to make a memorial and grave for our fallen friends and Jujutsu Sorcerors... And I'd like you two to help me make it."

He admitted, "The consequences of our appearance in this world... It haunts me."

Ever since he arrived in this world.

Sleep had mostly eluded Yuji.

While he had accepted their new reality.

He also had to accept the outcome of their old one.

That outcome... Was nightmarish, and hard to digest.

Attempting to return would not change the outcome.

No logical explanation allowed it to change, even if they were to somehow return NOW.

Ryomen Sukuna would have already won.

Or maybe Yuta could have won?

No one knows.

The only thing Yuji could think of.

The only thing that would allow him true solace.

Was to accept that nightmarish outcome.

And honor those who fell victim to it.

Noticing Yuji's troubled expression, two different hands patted him on the shoulder in reassurance.

Aoi started, "It shall be done." He nodded.

"But do not forget my words to you back in Shibuya." Aoi's words prompted a lifted head from Yuji.

"We are the exception." Yuji repeated.

Choso gave his two cents, "There is no need to rush, Yuji. While we could stay here for more than a week, take your time. You can take as long as you like... Wherever we are, we'll be fine." He assured.

Yuji smiled sadly, "Right... Thanks, you two."

A comfortable silence enveloped the brothers.

As Yuji lifted his head to inquire, "What about you Todo? What do you want to do?"

Aoi answered swiftly, "While I had been in my depressive state, I had not dallied."

He lectured, "Through extensive research and readings regarding our New Reality. Quirk Society as well as Takada-chan..."

He smirked, lifting a finger, "There is but one method by which I can both get V.I.P Tickets and backstage meetings with Takada-chan as well as use my talents for the greater good of society."

Choso arched an eyebrow, "Which is?"

Aoi's smile broadened as he revealed his answer, spreading his arms wide, "Naturally, it is to be a famed Hero of moral integrity."

His gaze turned manic, as his eyes met with Yuji's.

"BRUZZA! WILL YOU JOIN ME ON THE NEW PATH OF HEROISM? TO THE CHANCE OF A GLORIOUS FUTURE WITH PROLONGED TALKS WITH TAKADA-CHAN?!" He roared.

He chuckled, shaking his head and lowering his tone, "Though, I already have them all the time, but for you, my friend. It is a blessing." He nodded matter-of-factly.

Choso sighed, "Don't pressure our little brother. Middle Brother." He shook his head.

Yuji deadpanned at Choso, "Don't worry... If anything, he just made me NOT want to be a Hero..."

Aoi could only gasp in genuine horror at Yuji's utterance.

-------------------------------

January 6th, 2234.

Following Todo Aoi's Awakening, a week has passed.

Aoi's first order of business was as thus:

"Our quirks are super strength, speed, and regeneration all sourced from one singular Quirk. Keep that in mind, my bruzzas. I'll handle the rest."

Anyhow...

New Year's Eve was a blessing for the brothers.

Having been invited to stay in the home of Sato in the meantime.

Choso's Barbery Teacher and the Father of one of the children Yuji saved.

The brothers had gotten a much-needed respite.

Especially Yuji.

Choso slowly acclimated and Partially appreciated the presence and mingling with other humans.

...It was a work in progress.

At least he was particularly receptive to insulting Leafblade.

Todo Aoi's eyes gravitated between the celebration dinner and...

[New Year New Idol Special - Featuring Takada-chan & Ali/en-chan & Phony-chan] That was airing on the TV.

Truly, it was a magical scene of laughter and celebration as well as a much-needed distraction.

Especially given it was still a little mind-boggling to see 80% of the adults and children running around with superpowers attached to their souls.

From there, the brothers continued in their routine, with Aoi's new routine being...

Ambiguous.

He would research and read on Sato's computer.

...Or so he says.

Suspiciously making sure to delete specific parts of his search history.

Finally, with the passing of a single week, Leafblade's deadline had finally arrived.

While reluctant to depart from Kinzagawa so soon, the brothers, and especially Yuji were more than prepared.

-------------------------------

It could only be credited to poetic timing, that the winter sky was of a clear blue, with naught a cloud in sight.

The early morning sun shined bright over the horizon, attempting to oppose the biting cold common at this time of year in the Akita Prefecture.

Before the main road leading into Kinzagawa, this early in the morning, a large crowd of Quirked and Non-Quirked individuals stood, varying in age.

What was the occasion? One may ask.

The answer lay in the Mysterious Three Brothers that arrived in this remote town in the first place.

Firstly, Yuji:

Surrounded by many children, he laughed alongside them as they whined regarding his departure.

Lowering himself to eye level with one of the children he saved, he gave a serious look at all the others, lifting his finger with a lecturing tone, "Now you guys play nice! If I find out one of you has been bullying him because he's got no Quirk... I'll call for the big scary King Of Frauds!"

"WHA! NOT THE KING OF FRAUDS!" One of the kids cried out.

Secondly, Choso:

"I'd have expected you to stay here even a day longer to spite Leafblade. Choso." Sato shook his head in amusement.

Choso genuinely smiled seeing his little brother enjoying himself.

He scoffed, "I would have, if not for my brothers."

"Enviable indeed. I'd kill for my brother to be half as considerate as you are."

"Actually... If you are planning on heading to Musutafu, you can hit him up, he owns the MightCut Barbery. Tell him I sent you... Also, tell him to get married for crying out loud, he's older and yet I've got another kid coming up."

Choso nodded, "Thank you... For all the help." He smiled.

"Ah, don't mention it. It's the least I could do for what your little brother did."

Thirdly, Aoi:

Hashimoto leveled a skeptical look at Aoi, "...You sure you need a map? I can for sure procure you guys a GPS to find your wa-"

"Nonsense. It is a chance for a taste of adventure with my bruzzas!" Aoi shook his finger.

Sighing, Hashimoto tilted his giraffe head, "Whatever... Well, are you guys planning on becoming Heroes?"

Aoi replied, "I myself am planning on it. Choso isn't. As for Yuji, he's still considering it. But I am of the same mind, it is a profession that would serve him well. Given our age, we still have to attend high school." He added.

"I see..." Hashimoto mulled.

"How much should I invest in the kid if he does?"

Aoi's expression hardened, as he gave a deadly serious reply:

"Everything."

And so, the Three Brothers had finally hit the road for the first time in this New Japan, following a heartfelt goodbye from the people and town that had served them respite and adjustment.

Two brothers with certain purposes.

A single brother with an uncertain purpose.

But no pressure!

Regardless...

What is truly certain:

Is that with time and sticking together... They'll surmount all difficulties.

It was a certainty Leafblade had no choice but to accept, as he anxiously glared at their distancing figures from afar, finally no longer being a source of anxiety for him.

But for someone else.

He could only pray he was being paranoid...

To Be Continued!

-Author Note Start-

Idk get this to 600 Power Stones and you'll get another soon. (I'm tryna break my own record.)

Regardless!

Hello hello my lovelies!

Todo has ascended.

Choso is a protective Onii-chan.

Yuji is confused about wtf he's going to do.

BUT REMEMBER!

Regardless of what he wants to do...

He still gotta finish high school.

Has Choso mastered the art of barbery?!

They don't have money?! what are they gonna do in a new city with no identities.

The answer is...

Todo Aoi.

Anyway!

Hope the chapter has been to your enjoyment!

I'll also appreciate any and all constructive criticism and feedback regarding the characters that appear in this fic (Especially my representation of the Bruzzahs.)

If ya'll feeling frisky and rich you can donate to my P A T R E 0 N to show some nice and kind support.

Here's the link:

patre0n.com/BurgerNoTomatoes